What can happen if gasoline contaminated with jet fuel is used in a reciprocating engine?

Using gasoline contaminated with jet fuel in a reciprocating engine can lead to complete engine failure due to several critical factors. Firstly, the fuel properties of jet fuel are significantly different from those of automotive gasoline. Jet fuel has a higher flash point and different burn characteristics, which can disrupt the combustion process in a reciprocating engine.

When jet fuel is introduced, it can alter the fuel-air mixture, leading to improper combustion, which may cause the engine to run roughly or stall. Additionally, the lubricating properties of jet fuel can negatively affect the engine components designed to operate with gasoline. This can lead to increased wear, overheating, and ultimately catastrophic failure if the engine seizes.

Engines are specifically calibrated for the type of fuel they are designed to use, and introducing jet fuel can create an environment where the engine cannot function properly. Furthermore, the impurities and additives in jet fuel can cause clogging and damage to fuel injectors and carburetors, exacerbating performance issues and increasing the risk of failure. The critical difference in chemical makeup and the functioning requirements of reciprocal engines makes using jet fuel especially dangerous.